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Job Title


Triage Counsellor (Social Worker or Psychologist or Counsellor)


Company : Australian Psychological Society Limited


Location : Sydney, New South Wales


Created : 2026-01-31


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Triage Counsellor (Social Worker or Psychologist or Counsellor)Jurisdiction: Federal Circuit and Family Court of AustraliaSection: Court Children''s ServiceClassification: Australian Public Service Level 6 (APS 6)Job Type : Ongoing / Non-ongoing, Part-time/Full-timeLocations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Parramatta and SydneySalary as of 12 March 2026: Total remuneration including superannuation: $115,093 - $128,902 per annum ($99,734- $111,701 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation)What is a Triage Counsellor?Triage Counsellors are qualified social science professionals, who have clinical experience working with children and families, including in child protection, family support, family and domestic violence.Triage Counsellors assist parties in family law matters by conducting confidential risk assessment to assist in identification of appropriate support services, safety planning and case management. This help is targeted towards families who are at high risk as a result of family violence, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, and child abuse and neglect.Triage Counsellors have a statutory appointment to the role of ''family counsellor'' (Section 281(1) of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021), to provide family counselling as defined under Section 10 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA).Why become a Triage Counsellor?This is an exciting opportunity to join the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) and be part of a number of world leading initiatives designed to ensure safe and effective outcomes for children and families.The role of Triage Counsellor offers the rewarding opportunity to be part of Lighthouse, which is an innovative approach taken by the FCFCOA to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for families.New Triage Counsellors are provided with a supportive and structured induction program. All Triage Counsellors are provided with ongoing professional development, access to an extensive literature library and regular professional supervision.What does a Triage Counsellor do?Triage Counsellors undertake a range of activities within the provisions of the FLA including:Reviewing responses to the Court''s Risk Screening Tool (Family DOORS Triage)Conducting reviews of filed material to further inform risk screening and risk assessmentConducting video interviews with identified parties, in order to further formulate risk assessment and analysis, including identifying protective and supportive factorsCodesigning and developing safety and wellbeing plans with individuals, and where appropriate and necessary, undertaking direct referrals to identified agencies and servicesOther great reasons to become a Triage CounsellorIn addition to rewarding work and competitive remuneration, the Triage Counsellor position offers the following benefits:A 15.4% employer superannuation contribution rateSalary packaging optionsPaid leave days between Christmas and New year, and three days after new year, in addition to the standard annual leave entitlement (4wks for full time).Up to eighteen weeks of paid parental leaveAccess to Cultural and First Nations ceremonial and NAIDOC leaveAccess to study leave and other study assistanceFlexible work arrangements, including opportunities for hybrid office/ homebased and parttime workGreat working facilitiesSafe and secure working environment on court premisesAccess to a raft of project and higher duties opportunitiesTraining by Australian and international expertsStrong team cultures and regular team building activitiesMandatory qualifications and experienceA recognised degree in a relevant social science area (e.g. social work, psychology, counselling, human services)A minimum three (3) years relevant clinical experience working with children and families, such as in child protection, family support, family and domestic violenceA clearance for working with children as required within the relevant State/Territory schemeWant to learn more?For more information, including the position description, contact information and instructions on how to apply please see the position''s listing on the agency''s website: Triage CounsellorEligibilityEmployment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:Australian citizenship the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.Security and character clearance the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.Diversity and InclusionFederal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an intergenerational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.RecruitAbilityRecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: Details